2011 Audi A7 Sportback

Going toe-to-toe with BMW's Gran Turismo.

Sardinia, Italy—If one German luxury automaker takes on a new market segment, it's a good bet one or both of the others won't be far behind.

Enter the , Ingolstadt's answer to (in style and utility) and (looks).

Like all modern Audis, the A7 has a fair amount of aluminum in a body that is slightly lower and narrower but a bit longer than the A6's. And the A7 is just as beautiful as the , while taking on more of a coupe proportion. This makes it even sleeker, though at the expense (just a bit) of easily getting into the back seat.

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Five-door hatchbacks have never been popular in the U.S., but after going through the A7 one wonders if this could change. With rear seats up, the A7 has 18.9 cu ft of luggage space under its electrically opened/closed liftback. Drop the rear seats and there's 49.0 cu ft.

doesn't break new ground with the interior design of the A7, which is fine with us...it has comfortable seats, the expected great design and excellent fit and finish.

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Audi's MMI electronic interface has long been the most logical of the German systems. What's new are a variety of additions, like being able to download and overlay Google Earth maps over the normal navigation system or using your phone as an internet link so passengers can surf the net while moving. All quite fascinating, like the night vision and head-up display, but the total package will do little to lessen driver distraction.

U.S. A7s will get a 310-bhp 3.0-liter V-6 with an 8-speed automatic and Quattro all-wheel drive. Don't hold your breath waiting for a diesel version.

Like any Audi, the A7 is both quick and stable on the Sardinian roads we drove, a nice balance of ride and handling for a 5-door hatch...and naturally you can reset the system to firm things up.